Hello! I know that you are all probably tired of seeing threads like these, but I promise that after you answer mine, I will never post one (on the Colombia section) again! So here are my qualifications:

BA in English Literature
MA in English (Holistic)
Elementary Spanish (I can insult your mom, and ask your girl out on a date j/k, I can also ask for the restroom and other basics like ordering food)
I tutored College age ESL students for two years at my university as a GTA.

Okay, so I am planning on taking the CELTA in Bogota and maybe spending a week or two afterwards hitting the ground and looking for possible employment. Now for the questions:

1) With my situation is the CELTA worth it?

2) Where should I be looking for work?

3) What kind of pay should I expect?

4) Maybe for those who are working there: a) Do you enjoy it? b) What are the some positives and negatives about living/working in Colombia?

I know these questions are pretty general, but I am just looking for a general idea Answers will probably vary on location, so just let me know where you are with your answers.

Thanks ahead of time, and I will probably have more questions once someone (hopefully) answers these!

I actually plan on teaching ESL for awhile, not just one year. And Yes! I love Latin culture, food, music, and of course the women. I know that the saving possibilities are probably quite low, but how much could someone "put away" or in my case pay to Sallie Mae a month after living expenses. I am not much of a drinker, and my hobbies include cheap activities, such as reading, walking, and playing basketball. I know this will vary from place to place, but I am looking for a general estimate of disposable income after living expenses. Thanks for your help!

Oh, I bet I would love Colombia. I have a friend from there that I am absolutely in love with (she knows, its okay). I just need to get Sallie freakin Mae off my back. My dream would be living in Colombia, Brazil, etc. Maybe someday! Or maybe I go there and tell SM to find me

I may have an out. Some oil companies are drooling over my parents' and grandma's land at the moment. This is just to rent the rights, but if they actually drilled, then I may be able to talk them into paying those nazis off for me. Hopefully! But, I will probably "save" myself until I get over to Latin America. It would be amazing! Are you there now?

You know what, I think you are right. My plans may change, but right now I am thinking I will go take the CELTA there ASAP, and stay around for a few weeks to find a job. SM can really go F themselves for all I care. They shouldn't have had the public school systems pushing college, and their loans, onto me from kindergarten on. I suppose I will try to pay them, but living in Colombia is better than being starved of culture and fun in some crazy country. That being said, when is the best time to look for a job?

You know what, I think you are right. My plans may change, but right now I am thinking I will go take the CELTA there ASAP, and stay around for a few weeks to find a job. SM can really go F themselves for all I care. They shouldn't have had the public school systems pushing college, and their loans, onto me from kindergarten on. I suppose I will try to pay them, but living in Colombia is better than being starved of culture and fun in some crazy country. That being said, when is the best time to look for a job?

The language institutes will hire year-round, but many are sketchy about providing work visas as they are a pain in the ass to get and kind of expensive. Colegios and Unis will hire all the time too, based on their needs, but September or February are probably your best bets. I personally loved my time in Colombia, but finding money down there is difficult, and even if you land something exceptional by Colombian standards, I wouldn't plan on paying down your student debt significantly.

...SM can really go F themselves for all I care. They shouldn't have had the public school systems pushing college, and their loans, onto me from kindergarten on. I suppose I will try to pay them, but living in Colombia is better than being starved of culture and fun in some crazy country. That being said, when is the best time to look for a job?

You (sort of) sounded like a descent person, right up until this post. My vote is that you grow up, and assume some responsibility - like paying back the financial provider of your education.
No, the world does not owe you anything, nor does it have to wait around while you have fun before you make a worthwhile contribution

I was teaching in Japan for six years... Off to Colombia around April. I would recommend going to Korea/Japan or somewhere like Saudi Arabia to get some money behind you. Experience and money. There are not all that many places where you can make a decent living and save...